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The Complete Monero Timeline
A comprehensive history of the world's leading privacy cryptocurrency
Most of the info was source for this post from here: GetMonero Roadmap
The rest was from my own explanations.



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[b]2014: The Genesis Year[/b]

April 2014 - Launched on Bitcointalk
Monero was first introduced to the world on the Bitcointalk forum as a cryptocurrency project. This marked the beginning of what would become the most important privacy-focused digital currency. The launch occurred when pseudonymous developer "thankful_for_today" forked Bytecoin to create BitMonero.


April 2014 - Renamed from Bitmonero to Monero
The cryptocurrency was initially called "BitMonero" but the community quickly renamed it to simply "Monero," which means "coin" in Esperanto. This name change represented the community's desire to distance itself from the original developer and establish its own identity. Seven community members, led by Riccardo Spagni (fluffypony), took control of the project after disagreeing with thankful_for_today's direction.


September 2014 - Recovered from Spam Attack
A sophisticated attack caused the Monero network to fork for 30 minutes, creating a critical situation for the young cryptocurrency. The attack was quickly identified and patched by the development team, demonstrating their ability to respond to threats. This incident highlighted both the vulnerabilities of new networks and the competence of Monero's developers.

September 2014 - Monero Research Lab Papers 1, 2, and 3 Published
The Monero Research Lab (MRL) was established and published its first three research papers, laying the scientific foundation for future privacy improvements. These papers reviewed the CryptoNote whitepaper and began identifying potential weaknesses and improvements. This marked the beginning of Monero's research-driven approach to development that would set it apart from other cryptocurrencies.

December 2014 - Version 0.8.8.6 Released
This early release included 594 commits over 35 weeks by 11 contributors, representing substantial foundational work. Key features included payment IDs, Electrum-style mnemonics, multi-language word lists, testnet launch, DNS resolver support, per-kb transaction fees, and encrypted JSON wallet format. The release demonstrated the team's commitment to building robust infrastructure from the ground up.

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[b]2015: The Research & Development Year[/b]

January 2015 - Monero Research Lab Paper 4 Published
MRL-0004 "Improving Obfuscation in the CryptoNote Protocol" identified critical blockchain analysis vulnerabilities that could degrade Monero's privacy. The paper recommended implementing a minimum ring size of 3, later increasing to 5, to prevent chain reaction attacks. This research directly influenced network upgrades and established Monero's scientific approach to privacy enhancement.

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[b]2016: Database Revolution & RingCT Foundation[/b]

January 2016 - 0.9.0 Hydrogen Helix Released
This monumental release replaced the in-memory database with LMDB backend, dramatically improving sync speeds to "bittorrent speeds." The release represented 922 commits from 9 contributors over 18 months and was considered the biggest release in Monero's history at the time. Users could now sync the entire blockchain in minutes rather than hours, making Monero much more practical to use.

February 2016 - Monero Research Lab Paper 5 Published
MRL-0005 "Ring Signature Confidential Transactions" introduced the theoretical framework for hiding transaction amounts using Pedersen commitments. This paper built upon Greg Maxwell's Confidential Transactions work and adapted it for Monero's ring signature system. The research laid the foundation for RingCT implementation, which would complete Monero's privacy trifecta.

March 2016 - Network Upgrade: Minimum Ring Size of 3 Required
Following MRL-0004 recommendations, the network was upgraded to require a minimum ring size of 3 on all transactions. This meant every transaction had to include at least 2 decoy outputs, significantly improving privacy by making transactions indistinguishable. The upgrade eliminated the vulnerability of zero-decoy transactions that could enable blockchain analysis attacks.

September 2016 - 0.10.0 Wolfram Warptangent Released
This major release added initial RingCT implementation (available on testnet) and was named after contributor Warptangent who passed away in March 2016. The release featured massive blockchain database performance improvements developed by Warptangent and completed by Howard "hyc" Chu. This version prepared the network for the eventual deployment of amount-hiding transactions.

September 2016 - Network Upgrade: Split Coinbase into Denominations
The network was upgraded to split newly mined coins (coinbase) into standard denominations rather than single large amounts. This change improved privacy by making mined coins indistinguishable from regular transactions when spent. The upgrade also prepared the network infrastructure for more complex transaction types.

December 2016 - 0.10.1 Wolfram Warptangent Released
This point release included consensus-changing fixes to the RingCT implementation and various critical bug fixes. The release ensured RingCT would work properly when enabled on mainnet. Multiple security audits and testing had identified issues that were resolved in this version.

December 2016 - Official GUI Beta 1 Released
The first beta version of Monero's graphical user interface was released, making the cryptocurrency accessible to non-technical users. Prior to this, users had to use command-line tools, which limited adoption to technically skilled individuals. The GUI represented a major step toward mainstream usability while maintaining full security and privacy features.


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[b]2017: The Privacy Breakthrough[/b]



January 2017 - Network Upgrade: RingCT Transactions Enabled
Ring Confidential Transactions were enabled in block #1220516, allowing users to hide transaction amounts for the first time. This completed Monero's privacy trifecta by concealing amounts alongside sender/receiver privacy through ring signatures and stealth addresses. RingCT transactions became optional initially, with mandatory adoption planned for later.

February 2017 - 0.10.2 Released: Critical Vulnerability Patched
A critical security vulnerability was discovered and immediately patched in this emergency release. The update included massive efficiency improvements to RingCT validation code, making the new transaction type much faster to process. This demonstrated the team's commitment to security and their ability to respond rapidly to threats.

March 2017 - 0.10.3.1 Wolfram Warptangent Released
This point release continued improvements and optimizations to the codebase following the RingCT implementation. Various bug fixes and performance enhancements were included to ensure network stability. The release maintained backward compatibility while preparing for future upgrades.

April 2017 - Network Upgrade: Blocksize and Dynamic Fee Algorithm
The network was upgraded to adjust the minimum blocksize algorithm and implement a dynamic fee calculation system. This improved scalability by allowing the network to handle more transactions when demand increased. The dynamic fee system ensured transactions would be processed promptly even during periods of high network usage.

July 2017 - Website Redesigned
The getmonero.org website received a complete overhaul to improve user experience and information accessibility. The new design made it easier for newcomers to understand Monero and find resources. Better organization of documentation and guides helped accelerate adoption among privacy-conscious users.

September 2017 - 0.11.0.0 Helium Hydra Released
This major release increased the minimum ring size to 5 and made RingCT transactions mandatory for all users. The GUI wallet officially exited beta status, marking its readiness for production use by mainstream users. Multiple protocol improvements were included, completing the implementation of MRL-0004 recommendations.

September 2017 - Fluffy Blocks Implemented
Fluffy blocks were implemented as a bandwidth-saving method for transmitting new blocks across the network. This compression technique reduced the data needed to propagate blocks, improving network efficiency. The optimization was particularly beneficial for users on slower internet connections or with data limitations.

September 2017 - 0MQ/ZeroMQ Integration
ZeroMQ messaging library was integrated to improve communication between different components of the Monero software. This provided a more robust and efficient way to handle internal messaging and API calls. The integration laid groundwork for future improvements in wallet and daemon communication.

September 2017 - GUI 0.11.0.0 Helium Hydra Released
The graphical user interface received its first major post-beta release with full feature parity to the command-line version. Users could now access all Monero features through an intuitive interface without sacrificing functionality. The release marked Monero's transition from a technical-user-only cryptocurrency to one accessible to general users.

October 2017 - Subaddresses Implemented
Subaddresses were introduced, allowing users to generate multiple receiving addresses from a single wallet without revealing their connection. This feature improved privacy by eliminating the need to reuse addresses and made it easier for businesses to track payments. Each subaddress appeared completely unrelated to others, even to blockchain observers.

October 2017 - Monero Research Lab Paper 6 Published
The sixth MRL research paper was published, continuing the lab's work on cryptographic improvements and privacy analysis. This paper likely addressed specific technical aspects of ring signatures or other privacy technologies. The ongoing research demonstrated Monero's commitment to staying ahead of potential attacks and continuously improving privacy.

October 2017 - 0.11.1.0 and GUI 0.11.1.0 Helium Hydra Released
Point releases were issued for both CLI and GUI versions, including important bug fixes and minor improvements. These releases ensured stability following the major protocol changes implemented in September. Regular point releases demonstrated the team's commitment to maintaining high software quality.

December 2017 - Multi-signatures (Multisig) Implemented
Multi-signature functionality was added, allowing multiple parties to control a single wallet with configurable signing requirements. This feature enabled enhanced security for businesses and organizations requiring multiple approvals for transactions. Multisig wallets could require any combination of signatures (like 2-of-3 or 3-of-5) to authorize spending.

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[b]2018: Efficiency Revolution & ASIC Resistance[/b]



March 2018 - 0.12.0.0 Lithium Luna Released
The Lithium Luna release series began with this major version update including protocol improvements and optimizations. This release continued Monero's tradition of regular major upgrades to maintain security and add features. Various performance enhancements and code quality improvements were included throughout the codebase.

April 2018 - GUI 0.12.0.0 Lithium Luna Released
The graphical user interface received its corresponding major update with feature parity to the CLI version. New features and improvements made the wallet more user-friendly while maintaining full security. The GUI continued to mature as a complete alternative to command-line usage.

April 2018 - New Proof of Work: CryptoNightV2
The network switched to CryptoNightV2 proof-of-work algorithm to maintain ASIC resistance and preserve decentralized mining. This change invalidated existing ASIC miners and ensured the network remained mineable by consumer hardware. The regular PoW updates were part of Monero's strategy to prevent mining centralization.

April 2018 - Network Upgrade: Ring Size 7, Multisig Integration, PoW Change
A comprehensive network upgrade increased the minimum ring size from 5 to 7, integrated multisig functionality, and implemented the new proof-of-work algorithm. The larger ring size further improved privacy by providing more potential sources for each transaction input. This coordinated upgrade demonstrated Monero's ability to implement multiple improvements simultaneously.

April 2018 - Getmonero.org Localization in French and Polish
The official website began supporting French and Polish languages, making Monero information accessible to broader international audiences. Translation efforts were coordinated through community volunteers who understood both the technical aspects and local languages. This marked the beginning of Monero's comprehensive internationalization efforts.

May 2018 - 0.12.1.0 Lithium Luna Released
A point release in the Lithium Luna series provided important bug fixes and minor improvements. Regular point releases ensured users had access to the most stable and secure software versions. This maintenance approach helped prevent issues from accumulating between major releases.

June 2018 - Ledger Hardware Wallet Support Added
Integration with Ledger hardware wallets was completed, enabling secure cold storage for Monero holdings. Users could now store their private keys on dedicated hardware devices while still being able to manage transactions. This feature was crucial for users storing large amounts who needed maximum security.

June 2018 - 0.12.2.0 Lithium Luna Released
Another point release continued the pattern of regular updates and improvements throughout the Lithium Luna series. Each point release addressed specific issues or added minor enhancements identified since the previous version. The frequent updates demonstrated active development and responsiveness to user needs.

July 2018 - 0.12.3.0 and GUI 0.12.3.0 Lithium Luna Released
Both CLI and GUI received synchronized point releases with matching version numbers and feature sets. This coordination ensured users had consistent experiences regardless of which interface they preferred. The parallel development approach maintained feature parity between different user interfaces.

August 2018 - Kovri Alpha Release
The alpha version of Kovri, Monero's I2P router implementation, was released for testing and community feedback. Kovri was designed to anonymize network traffic and hide IP addresses of Monero users from surveillance. This represented a crucial step toward complete transaction privacy, addressing the final piece of metadata that could potentially identify users.

August 2018 - Getmonero.org Moneropedia Open for Localization
The Moneropedia (Monero's educational wiki) was opened for translation into multiple languages through community efforts. This allowed technical documentation and educational materials to reach users who were more comfortable reading in their native languages. The collaborative translation approach helped build international community engagement.

August 2018 - Getmonero.org Localization in Arabic
Arabic language support was added to the official website, making Monero accessible to Arabic-speaking users worldwide. This expansion recognized the importance of privacy-focused cryptocurrency in regions with restrictive financial surveillance. The translation work was completed by community volunteers with relevant linguistic and technical expertise.

October 2018 - 0.13.0.2 Beryllium Bullet Released
The Beryllium Bullet release implemented Bulletproofs, a revolutionary cryptographic technique that reduced transaction sizes by over 80%. Transaction sizes dropped from approximately 18kb to 3kb, making Monero much more efficient and reducing storage requirements. This improvement was the result of extensive research, development, and security auditing by multiple independent teams.

October 2018 - GUI 0.13.0.3 Beryllium Bullet Released
The graphical interface received its Bulletproofs update with the corresponding efficiency improvements. Users immediately experienced faster sync times and lower transaction fees due to the smaller transaction sizes. The GUI maintained full compatibility with the new transaction format while preserving all privacy features.

October 2018 - New Proof of Work: CryptoNightV3
Another proof-of-work algorithm update maintained ASIC resistance as miners developed new specialized hardware. CryptoNightV3 ensured that consumer CPUs and GPUs remained competitive for mining Monero. These regular PoW changes were essential for preserving the decentralized nature of the network.

October 2018 - Network Upgrade: Ring Size 11, Bulletproofs, Fees, PoW
A major network upgrade increased the minimum ring size to 11, fully implemented Bulletproofs for all transactions, updated the fee calculation algorithm, and changed the proof-of-work. The larger ring size provided even better privacy while Bulletproofs made transactions smaller and cheaper. This comprehensive upgrade demonstrated Monero's ability to coordinate multiple complex improvements.

October 2018 - 0.13.0.4 Beryllium Bullet Released
A follow-up point release addressed any issues discovered after the major Bulletproofs implementation. Quick iteration and bug fixes ensured the revolutionary new technology worked smoothly for all users. The rapid response demonstrated the development team's readiness to address any post-upgrade issues.

November 2018 - Monero Research Lab Papers 7, 8, and 9 Published
Multiple research papers were published simultaneously, covering various aspects of cryptography and privacy technology improvements. These papers represented months of research work and peer review by the cryptographic community. The publications maintained Monero's position at the forefront of privacy research and development.

November 2018 - GUI 0.13.0.4 Beryllium Bullet Released
The graphical interface received its corresponding point release with the same fixes and improvements as the CLI version. Synchronized releases ensured all users had access to the most stable and secure software regardless of their preferred interface. This coordination was essential for maintaining consistent user experiences across different platforms.

December 2018 - Monero Research Lab Paper 10 Published
The tenth MRL research paper continued the lab's work on advancing cryptographic privacy techniques. This paper likely addressed specific technical challenges or proposed new improvements for future implementation. The ongoing research output demonstrated Monero's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

February 2019 - 0.14.0.0 Boron Butterfly Released
The Boron Butterfly release series began with this major version update including various protocol improvements and optimizations. This release continued the pattern of regular major upgrades to maintain security and add new features. Multiple enhancements were included to improve performance and user experience.

March 2019 - GUI 0.14.0.0 Boron Butterfly Released
The graphical user interface received its corresponding Boron Butterfly update with feature parity to the CLI version. New features and improvements enhanced usability while maintaining complete security and privacy. The GUI continued evolving as a comprehensive alternative to command-line usage.

March 2019 - New Community Crowdfunding System (CCS) Launched
The Community Crowdfunding System replaced the old Forum Funding System, providing a more organized way to fund development projects. CCS allowed community members to propose projects and receive funding through XMR donations from supporters. This system enabled sustainable funding for research, development, and community initiatives without relying on centralized funding sources.

March 2019 - 0.14.0.2 Boron Butterfly Released
A point release provided important fixes and improvements following the major Boron Butterfly release. Regular maintenance updates ensured users had access to the most stable and secure software versions. Quick iteration helped address any issues discovered after major releases.

March 2019 - New Proof of Work: CryptoNightR
CryptoNightR was introduced as another iteration in Monero's ongoing effort to maintain ASIC resistance. This algorithm update invalidated existing specialized mining hardware and preserved the ability for consumer devices to mine competitively. The "R" stood for "Random" reflecting the algorithm's use of random code execution to resist hardware optimization.

March 2019 - Localization in Brazilian-Portuguese and Dutch
Two additional languages were added to the official website, expanding accessibility to Portuguese and Dutch speaking users. These translations were completed by community volunteers who understood both technical concepts and local language nuances. The continuing localization effort recognized the global nature of privacy needs.

May 2019 - DLSAG: Non-Interactive Refund Transactions
DLSAG (Dual Linkable Spontaneous Anonymous Group) signatures were implemented to enable non-interactive refund transactions for payment channels. This technology laid groundwork for future scaling solutions and interoperability features. DLSAG represented another advancement in Monero's cryptographic capabilities beyond basic privacy.

July 2019 - Blockchain Pruning Implemented
Blockchain pruning was implemented, allowing node operators to download and sync only about 1/3 of the full blockchain while maintaining security. This feature made it much easier to run a full node with limited storage space. Pruning helped decentralization by reducing the hardware requirements for network participation.

July 2019 - Trezor Model T Support Added
Integration with Trezor Model T hardware wallets provided another secure cold storage option for Monero users. Hardware wallet support was crucial for users storing significant amounts who needed maximum security. The Trezor integration complemented existing Ledger support to give users multiple hardware options.

July 2019 - Ledger Nano X Support Added
Support for the newer Ledger Nano X hardware wallet was implemented, providing enhanced features over the earlier Nano S model. Users could now take advantage of Bluetooth connectivity and larger storage capacity for managing Monero. Multiple hardware wallet options gave users flexibility in choosing their preferred security approach.

July 2019 - Tor & I2P CLI Wallet Integration
Direct integration of Tor and I2P anonymity networks into the command-line wallet enhanced user privacy by hiding IP addresses. Users no longer needed separate software to route their Monero traffic through anonymity networks. This integration made advanced privacy features more accessible to average users.

July 2019 - Multisig Messaging System Enhanced
The Multisig Messaging System received improvements to make multi-signature wallets even easier to use. Enhanced automation reduced the complexity of coordinating between multiple signers. These improvements made multisig more practical for businesses and organizations requiring shared control over funds.

November 2019 - GUI Automatic Remote Node Discovery
The graphical interface gained the ability to automatically discover and connect to reliable remote nodes when users didn't want to run their own. This feature made Monero much more accessible to users who couldn't or didn't want to sync the full blockchain. Automatic node discovery balanced convenience with privacy by selecting trustworthy remote services.

November 2019 - RandomX Proof of Work Implemented
RandomX replaced CryptoNightR as Monero's proof-of-work algorithm, representing the most significant mining change in the project's history. RandomX was specifically designed to be ASIC-resistant by requiring miners to essentially build a complete CPU to create specialized hardware. The algorithm leveled the playing field between consumer hardware and specialized mining equipment, promoting true decentralization.